Continental WinterContact TS 870 P vs Dunlop Winter Sport 5
Recent test cycles sharpen the contrast: ADAC 2023-2025 repeatedly praises the Dunlop's wintry-road assurance and class-leading mileage, whereas Auto Bild and Tyre Reviews highlight the Continental's across-the-board stability and short stopping distances. Price also diverges-Dunlop tends to be cheaper with better value scores, while Continental commands a premium for its balanced, safety-first performance.
Test Results
Independent comparison tyre tests are the best source of data to get tyre information from, and the good news is there have been nine tests which compare both tyres directly!
| Tyre | Test Wins | Performance |
|---|---|---|
| Continental WinterContact TS 870 P | five | |
| Dunlop Winter Sport 5 | four |
While it might look like the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P is better than the Dunlop Winter Sport 5 purely based on the higher number of test wins, tyres are very complicated objects which means where one tyre is better than the other can be more important in real world use.
Let's look at how the two tyres compare across multiple tyre test categories.
Key Strengths
- Class-leading dry and wet braking across most tests (e.g., −5.9% dry vs Dunlop in AB 2023)
- Very balanced handling on dry, wet and snow; strong aquaplaning resistance
- Low noise and lower rolling resistance (efficiency edge)
- Consistent top-tier results across sizes; few real weaknesses
- Excellent mileage and wear (often 15-25% higher projected life)
- Strong snow traction and frequent ice-braking wins
- Competitive wet handling and aquaplaning, often close to best
- Better purchase price/value scores in multiple tests
Dry Braking
Looking at data from seven tyre tests, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P was better during seven dry braking tests. On average the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P stopped the vehicle in 3.15% less distance than the Dunlop Winter Sport 5.
Best In Dry Braking: Continental WinterContact TS 870 P
See how the Dry Braking winner was calculated >>
Dry Handling [s]
Looking at data from one tyre tests, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P was better during one dry handling [s] tests. On average the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P was 1.09% faster around a lap than the Dunlop Winter Sport 5.
Best In Dry Handling [s]: Continental WinterContact TS 870 P
See how the Dry Handling winner was calculated >>
Dry Handling [Km/H]
Looking at data from three tyre tests, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P was better during three dry handling [km/h] tests. On average the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P was 1.62% faster around a lap than the Dunlop Winter Sport 5.
Best In Dry Handling [Km/H]: Continental WinterContact TS 870 P
See how the Dry Handling winner was calculated >>
Wet Braking
Looking at data from nine tyre tests, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P was better during seven wet braking tests. On average the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P stopped the vehicle in 1% less distance than the Dunlop Winter Sport 5.
Best In Wet Braking: Continental WinterContact TS 870 P
See how the Wet Braking winner was calculated >>
Wet Braking - Concrete
Looking at data from three tyre tests, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P was better during one wet braking - concrete tests. On average the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P stopped the vehicle in 0.26% less distance than the Dunlop Winter Sport 5.
Best In Wet Braking - Concrete: Continental WinterContact TS 870 P
See how the Wet Braking - Concrete winner was calculated >>
Wet Handling [s]
Looking at data from one tyre tests, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P was better during one wet handling [s] tests. On average the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P was 1.54% faster around a wet lap than the Dunlop Winter Sport 5.
Best In Wet Handling [s]: Continental WinterContact TS 870 P
See how the Wet Handling winner was calculated >>
Wet Handling [Km/H]
Looking at data from three tyre tests, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P was better during two wet handling [km/h] tests. On average the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P was 0.16% faster around a wet lap than the Dunlop Winter Sport 5.
Best In Wet Handling [Km/H]: Continental WinterContact TS 870 P
See how the Wet Handling winner was calculated >>
Wet Circle
Looking at data from one tyre tests, the Dunlop Winter Sport 5 was better during one wet circle tests. On average the Dunlop Winter Sport 5 had 10% higher lateral wet grip than the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P.
Best In Wet Circle: Dunlop Winter Sport 5
See how the Wet Circle winner was calculated >>
Straight Aqua
Looking at data from seven tyre tests, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P was better during six straight aqua tests. On average the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P floated at a 1.81% higher speed than the Dunlop Winter Sport 5.
Best In Straight Aqua: Continental WinterContact TS 870 P
See how the Straight Aqua winner was calculated >>
Curved Aquaplaning
Looking at data from six tyre tests, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P was better during three curved aquaplaning tests. On average the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P slipped out at a 0.36% higher speed than the Dunlop Winter Sport 5.
Best In Curved Aquaplaning: Continental WinterContact TS 870 P
See how the Curved Aquaplaning winner was calculated >>
Snow Braking
Looking at data from nine tyre tests, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P was better during five snow braking tests. On average the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P stopped the vehicle in 0.57% less distance than the Dunlop Winter Sport 5.
Best In Snow Braking: Continental WinterContact TS 870 P
See how the Snow Braking winner was calculated >>
Snow Traction
Looking at data from one tyre tests, the Dunlop Winter Sport 5 was better during one snow traction tests. On average the Dunlop Winter Sport 5 accelerated 1.64% faster than the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P.
Best In Snow Traction: Dunlop Winter Sport 5
See how the Snow Traction winner was calculated >>
Snow Traction
Looking at data from six tyre tests, the Dunlop Winter Sport 5 was better during five snow traction tests. On average the Dunlop Winter Sport 5 had 0.03% better snow traction than the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P.
Best In Snow Traction: Dunlop Winter Sport 5
See how the Snow Traction winner was calculated >>
Snow Handling [s]
Looking at data from one tyre tests, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P was better during one snow handling [s] tests. On average the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P was 1.08% faster around a lap than the Dunlop Winter Sport 5.
Best In Snow Handling [s]: Continental WinterContact TS 870 P
See how the Snow Handling winner was calculated >>
Snow Handling [Km/H]
Looking at data from three tyre tests, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P was better during two snow handling [km/h] tests. On average the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P was 0.69% faster around a lap than the Dunlop Winter Sport 5.
Best In Snow Handling [Km/H]: Continental WinterContact TS 870 P
See how the Snow Handling winner was calculated >>
Snow Circle
Looking at data from one tyre tests, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P was better during one snow circle tests. On average the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P provided 0.35% more lateral grip than the Dunlop Winter Sport 5.
Best In Snow Circle: Continental WinterContact TS 870 P
See how the Snow Circle winner was calculated >>
Snow Slalom
Looking at data from two tyre tests, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P was better during one snow slalom tests. On average the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P was 1.7% faster through a slalom than the Dunlop Winter Sport 5.
Best In Snow Slalom: Continental WinterContact TS 870 P
See how the Snow Slalom winner was calculated >>
Ice Braking
Looking at data from three tyre tests, the Dunlop Winter Sport 5 was better during two ice braking tests. On average the Dunlop Winter Sport 5 stopped the vehicle 2.89% shorter than the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P.
Best In Ice Braking: Dunlop Winter Sport 5
See how the Ice Braking winner was calculated >>
Subj. Comfort
Looking at data from one tyre tests, the Dunlop Winter Sport 5 was better during one subj. comfort tests. On average the Dunlop Winter Sport 5 scored 5% more points than the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P.
Best In Subj. Comfort: Dunlop Winter Sport 5
See how the Subj. Comfort winner was calculated >>
Noise
Looking at data from six tyre tests, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P was better during six noise tests. On average the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P measured 2.42% quieter than the Dunlop Winter Sport 5.
Best In Noise: Continental WinterContact TS 870 P
See how the Noise winner was calculated >>
Wear
Looking at data from five tyre tests, the Dunlop Winter Sport 5 was better during five wear tests. On average the Dunlop Winter Sport 5 is predicted to cover 14.32% miles before reaching 1.6mm than the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P.
Best In Wear: Dunlop Winter Sport 5
See how the Wear winner was calculated >>
Value
Looking at data from two tyre tests, the Dunlop Winter Sport 5 was better during two value tests. On average the Dunlop Winter Sport 5 proved to have a 22.54% better value based on price/1000km than the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P.
Best In Value: Dunlop Winter Sport 5
See how the Value winner was calculated >>
Price
Looking at data from two tyre tests, the Dunlop Winter Sport 5 was better during two price tests. On average the Dunlop Winter Sport 5 cost 8.92% less than the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P.
Best In Price: Dunlop Winter Sport 5
See how the Price winner was calculated >>
Rolling Resistance
Looking at data from four tyre tests, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P was better during four rolling resistance tests. On average the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P had a 7.79% lower rolling resistance than the Dunlop Winter Sport 5.
Best In Rolling Resistance: Continental WinterContact TS 870 P
See how the Rolling Resistance winner was calculated >>
Fuel Consumption
Looking at data from two tyre tests, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P was better during one fuel consumption tests. On average the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P used 0.88% less fuel than the Dunlop Winter Sport 5.
Best In Fuel Consumption: Continental WinterContact TS 870 P
See how the Fuel Consumption winner was calculated >>
Abrasion
Looking at data from three tyre tests, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P was better during two abrasion tests. On average the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P emitted 4.87% less particle wear matter than the Dunlop Winter Sport 5.
Best In Abrasion: Continental WinterContact TS 870 P
See how the Abrasion winner was calculated >>
Real World Driver Reviews
Continental WinterContact TS 870 P Driver Reviews
Most drivers rate the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P very highly, praising its outstanding wet grip and braking, strong snow traction, stable high-speed behavior, and quiet, comfortable ride. Many note predictable handling and good wear/longevity, with some EV owners highlighting low noise and rolling resistance. A minority mention softer steering feel and less sharp dry handling, and several point out a high price. One outlier reports poor snow/ice performance, which contrasts with the overwhelmingly positive winter feedback from others.
Based on 25 reviews with an average rating of 87%
Dunlop Winter Sport 5 Driver Reviews
Drivers largely praise the Dunlop Winter Sport 5 for outstanding snow and ice traction, strong wet grip in cold conditions, predictable handling, good comfort/low noise (for a winter tyre), and excellent tread life. A minority report softer sidewalls and reduced dry performance or understeer as temperatures rise, with a few notes on noise increase over time and isolated quality/balance issues. Overall sentiment is strongly positive, with most buyers willing to repurchase.
Based on 43 reviews with an average rating of 84%
Conclusion
In value terms, Dunlop is the cost-effective winter specialist with high wear life and solid wet performance; Continental is the premium, no-weakness option that optimizes stopping distance, refinement, and efficiency. The practical takeaway: pick Continental for all-weather security and braking headroom; pick Dunlop for heavy-winter mileage and budget friendliness without major compromises.
Key Differences
- Braking: Continental consistently stops shorter on dry and wet (3-6% typical gap).
- Snow/Ice: Dunlop often has stronger snow traction and some ice-braking wins; Continental slightly better in snow handling pace.
- Aquaplaning: Mixed-Continental usually leads straight-line; Dunlop occasionally excels in curved/straight in some sizes.
- Noise/Refinement: Continental is quieter by ~1-2 dB in most tests.
- Efficiency: Continental shows lower rolling resistance and slightly better fuel metrics.
- Durability/Value: Dunlop delivers higher mileage and lower price, winning value comparisons.
Overall Winner: Continental WinterContact TS 870 P
Based on the tyre test data and user reviews we have in our database, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P has demonstrated better overall performance in this comparison. However, as you can see from the spider diagram above, each tyre has its own strengths which should be considered in your final tyre buying choice.Similar Comparisons
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Footnote
This page has been developed using tyre industry testing best practices. This means we are only comparing tests which have had both tyres in the same test.
Why is this important? Tyre testing is heavily affected by things like surface grip levels and surface temperature, which means you can only compare values from the same day. During a tyre test external condition changes are calculated into the overall results, but it is not possible to calculate this between tyre tests performed on different days or at different locations.
As a result you will see other tests on Tyre Reviews which feature both the %s and %s, but as they weren't conducted on the same day, the results are not comparable.
Lots of other websites do this sort of tyre comparison, Tyre Reviews doesn't.